Abstract:
This study aimed at assessing farmers’ adaptation mechanisms to climate change in
Kilimanjaro region. Specifically, attention was devoted to examine farmers’
awareness and perception towards climate change; adaptation measures used and
their influence on crop yield as well as factors which influence adoption of those
strategies. The data were collected through household surveys and focused group
discussions. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 175 farming
households in twelve villages from Moshi Rural, Hai and Rombo Districts. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas production
function and linear regressions. Results confirm that farmers are
quite aware of climate change and adaptation options. Seasonal
drought, temperature change and outbreak of diseases in plant and
animals were the most perceived consequences of climate change.
The adaptation strategies used included change of farm management
practices and adoption off-farm employment. Timing of farm
operations, water harvesting, mulching, change of crop varieties,
irrigation and agro-forestry were the major farm-copping strategies.
These strategies were observed to have positive and significant
influence on maize and banana yield. Also the study found out that
household assets; household size; education level; extension
services; owned land size and access to irrigation are the major
factors which influence adoption of adaptation strategies. Moreover,
lack of capital and information on climate change as well as reliable
weather forecast information were indicated to be the core
constraints in adaptation. The relevant policy recommendation from these
results is that enhanced access to credit and information can significantly increase
frames’ adaptation. Government policies should support research and development
on appropriate technologies to help farmers adapt to changes in climatic conditions.
